ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mosque

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈmɑsk// UK //mˈɒsk// mosque General-service

n. a building where Muslims go to pray and worship God. It often has a tall tower and a large dome on top.

n. a place of public worship for Muslims. Typically characterised by a prayer hall, a mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca, and often one or more minarets.


SIMPLE

The local mosque is open to everyone for daily prayers.

CONTEXTUAL

The community gathered at the mosque on Friday afternoon for the weekly sermon and communal prayer.

COMPLEX

The architectural design of the mosque incorporates intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, reflecting a rich heritage of Islamic art that avoids the use of human figures.

Origin

From Middle French mosquée, from Italian moschea, ultimately from Arabic مَسْجِد (masjid, literally “place of prostration”). Doublet of masjid.

Usage

Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific local institution.

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